Christmas gift DVD roundup

Still stuck for something to get someone on your list? Here’s a fair sampling of some BD/DVD titles that may be of use for last-minute gifts that are better than ties.

Usual rules apply: synopses are taken from the press releases and Amazon descriptions; snarky commentary is extra; and preview links go to YouTube’s preview pages. And just in case you were wondering, the DVD prices are the listed retail prices. You can get them cheaper if you buy at discount stores or online.

Mainstream

The Amazing Spider-Man
Sony, 136 minutes, PG-13
DVD price with digital copy: $30.99
BD/DVD with digital copy: $40.99
3DBD/BD/DVD with digital copy: $55.99
Reboot of “Spider-Man” series finds teenager Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield), an outcast high schooler who was abandoned by his parents as a boy, leaving him to be raised by his Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen) and Aunt May (Sally Field). Like most teenagers, Peter is trying to figure out who he is and finding his way with his first high school crush, Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone). Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents’ disappearance – leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans), his father’s former partner. Extras: commentary, deleted scenes, featurette, photo gallery. BD adds: documentary, Second Screen app.

The Bourne Legacy
Universal, 135 minutes, PG-13
DVD: $29.98
BD/DVD with digital copy: $34.98
Semi-sequel has the intelligence community on the verge of having their conspiracy exposed in the media by former Treadstone operative Jason Bourne (Matt Damon, who does not star in this film). They seek to erase all evidence of their top secret programs – even the agents involved. Aaron Cross (Jeremy Renner) must use his genetically-engineered skills to survive the ultimate game of cat-and-mouse and finish what Bourne started. Also stars Rachel Weisz and Edward Norton. Renner’s been playing action heroes a lot this year: “Avengers,” this one and the upcoming “Hansel and Gretel.” DVD extras: commentary, featurettes. BD extras: BD-Live capacity, digital copy, featurettes, Ultraviolet digital copy.

The Campaign
Warner Bros., 85 minutes, R
DVD price with digital copy: $28.98
BD with digital copy: $29.98
BD/DVD with digital copy: $35.99
When long-term congressman Cam Brady (Will Ferrell) commits a major public gaffe before an upcoming election, a pair of ultra-wealthy CEOs (John Lithgow, Dan Aykroyd) plot to put up a rival candidate and gain influence over their North Carolina district. Their man: naíve Marty Huggins (Zach Galifianakis), director of the local Tourism Center. At first, Marty appears to be the unlikeliest possible choice but, with the help of his new benefactors’ support, he soon becomes a real contender. Robert Kolarik reviewed this one for us; he liked it. Extras: deleted scenes, Ultraviolet digital copy. BD adds: alternate scenes, gag reel.

The Dark Knight Rises
Warner Bros., 165 minutes, PG-13
DVD with digital copy: $28.98
BD/DVD with digital copy: $35.99
It has been eight years since Batman vanished into the night, turning, in that instant, from hero to fugitive. Assuming the blame for the death of D.A. Harvey Dent, the Dark Knight sacrificed everything for what he and Commissioner Gordon both hoped was the greater good. For a time the lie worked, as criminal activity in Gotham City was crushed under the weight of the anti-crime Dent Act. But everything will change with the arrival of a cunning cat burglar with a mysterious agenda. Far more dangerous, however, is the emergence of Bane, a masked terrorist whose ruthless plans for Gotham drive Bruce out of his self-imposed exile. But even if he dons the cape and cowl again, Batman may be no match for Bane. My review is here. DVD extras: Ultraviolet digital copy. BD extras: cast interviews, deleted scenes, documentary, featurettes.

Dark Shadows
Warner Bros., 113 minutes, PG-13
DVD price with digital copy: $28.98
BD with digital copy: $29.98
BD/DVD with digital copy: $35.99
Reboot of the 1970s soap opera with Johnny Depp in the Barnabas Collins role, an aristocrat turned into a vampire by his jilted lover Angelique (Eva Green) two centuries ago, Waking up in 1972, he finds the remnants of his descendants a rather dysfunctional bunch and the family business and homestead is near ruin. Directed by Tim Burton. Also stars Michelle Pfeiffer, Helna Bonham Carter, Bella Heathcote, Chloe Grace Moretz, Johnny Lee Miller, Gully McGrath and Jackie Earle Haley. Watched this last night; now I understand why it got middling reviews on the Tomatometer. Extras: featurette, Ultraviolet digital copy. BD adds: lenticular cover, picture-in-picture commentary. My full review is here.

Hope Springs
Sony, 100 minutes, PG-13
DVD with digital copy: $30.99
BD with digital copy: $35.99
Kay (Meryl Streep) and Arnold (Tommy Lee Jones) are a devoted couple, but decades of marriage have left Kay wanting to spice things up and reconnect with her husband. When she hears of a renowned couple’s specialist (Steve Carell) in the small town of Great Hope Springs, she attempts to persuade her skeptical husband, a steadfast man of routine, to get on a plane for a week of marriage therapy. DVD extras: alternate scenes, commentary, featurette, gag reel. BD extras: featurettes.

Men in Black 3
Sony, 106 minutes, PG-13,
DVD with digital copy: $30.99
BD/DVD with digital copy: $40.99
3DBD/BD/DVD with digital copy: $55.99
Agent J (Will Smith) has seen some inexplicable things in his 15 years with the Men in Black, but nothing, not even aliens, perplexes him as much as his wry, reticent partner, Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones). But when K’s life and the fate of the planet are put at stake, Agent J will have to travel back in time to put things right. J discovers that there are secrets to the universe that K never told him — secrets that will reveal themselves as he teams up with the young Agent K (Josh Brolin) to save his partner, the agency, and the future of humankind. Added feature is the MovieTouch for iPad, which looks pretty impressive. Unforturnately, it requires an iPad 2 or better running iOS 6, which means I won’t be able to use it on my poor old iPad 1. Don’t watch it if you haven’t seen it yet. My full review is here. DVD extras: gag reel, making-of-featurette, music video, Ultraviolet digital copy. BD extras: featurettes, interactive game. 3DBD extras: featurettes.

Prometheus
Fox, 124 minutes, R
DVD: $29.99
BD/DVD with digital copy: $39.99
3DBD/BD/DVD with digital copy: $49.99
Prequel (of sorts) to the original “Alien” finds a team of scientists traveling to a distant planet onboard the scientific vessel Prometheus in search of the progenitors of man, whom they have dubbed “the Engineers.” What they find there is wondrous to behold, and even more dangerous than they had ever imagined. Stars Noomi Rapce, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Guy Pearce and Logan-Marshall Green. Directed by Ridley Scott. Includes alternate opening/ending. Saw this one in the theater; looking forward to studying it on BD. No extras listed. BD adds: featurettes, photo gallery, storyboards. 3DBD adds: featurettes.

Rock of Ages
Warner Bros., 123 minutes, PG-13
DVD price with digital copy: $28.98
BD with digital copy: $29.98
BD/DVD with digital copy: $35.99
Another Broadway play comes to film, with “Rock of Ages” telling the story of small town girl Sherrie (Julianne Hough) and city boy Drew (Diego Boneta), who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their dreams. Tom Cruise plays the bad boy rocker Stacee Jaxx, Alec Baldwin plays Bourbon nightclub owner Dennis Dupree and Russel Brand his assistant. Also stars Mary J. Blige and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Features the 80s music of Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Whitesnake, and more. BD adds 13 minutes for an “Extended Cut.” Unlike “Little Shop of Horrors,” this was an “on-Broadway” play that made it to the big screen and flopped, scoring only 41% on the Tomatometer despite a big marketing push. Extras: featurettes, music video. BD adds: alternate scenes, featurettes.

Ted
Universal, 220 minutes, R
DVD: $29.98
BD/DVD with digital copy: $34.98
John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg) is a grown man who must deal with the cherished teddy bear (voice of Seth MacFarlane, who also wrote and directed) who came to life as the result of a childhood wish … and has refused to leave his side ever since. This creates problems when his girlfriend Lori (Mila Kunis) wants more from their four-year relationship. My niece described this one as “Winnie the Pooh” for adults. Considering that it’s McFarlane who is in the driver’s seat, I’d say that was a fairly good approximation. DVD extras: commentary, gag reel, making-of-featurette. BD extras: alternate scenes, BD-Live capacity, digital copy, featurette, Ultraviolet digital copy.

Independent

Beasts of the Southern Wild
Fox, 94 minutes, PG-13
DVD: $29.98
BD: $39.99
When her tough but loving father Wink (Dwight Henry) succumbs to a mysterious malady, the fierce and determined six-year-old girl Hushpuppy (Quvenzhan Wallis) bravely sets out from their isolated Louisiana bayou community to the outside world. But Hushpuppy’s quest is hindered by a “busted” universe that melts the ice caps and unleashes an army of prehistoric beasts. No extras listed. Getting a lot of buzz on potential Oscar lists and end-of-year favorites.

Moonrise Kingdom
Universal, 94 minutes, PG-13
DVD: $29.98
BD/DVD with digital copy: $34.98
Sam (Jared Gilman) and Suzy (Kara Hayward), both 12 years old, fall in love, make a secret pact and run away into the wilderness. As various authorities try to hunt them down, a violent storm is brewing off-shore – and the peaceful island community is turned upside down in every which way. Also stars Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, Jason Schwartzman, and Bob Balaban. At least Universal offers its customers both the digital download (from iTunes or others) and the Ultraviolet version, instead of limiting customers to just Ultraviolet. Good on them. Extras: featurettes. BD adds: BD-Live capacity, digital copy, Ultraviolet digital copy. A lot of buzz on this one as well.

Reissues

Annie
Sony, 127 minutes, PG, BD debut $14.99
BD debut of the John Huston-directed version of the venerable Broadway stage musical, with Aileen Quinn in the title role as the plucky little redhead orphan, Albert Finney as Daddy Warbucks and Carol Burnett as the cruel orphanage headmistress Miss Hannigan. Also stars Bernadette Peters, Ann Reinking and Tim Curry. Extras: featurette, Karaoke mode, music video.

Avatar: Blu-ray 3D Collector’s Edition
Fox, 162 minutes, PG-13, 3DBD/BD/DVD: $39.99
Director James Cameron’s hulking (in more ways than one) science-fiction epic gets a 3DBD release. Sam Worthington is Jake Sully, a quadriplegic Marine who travels to the remote world of Pandora to help a mining company make peace with the indigenous N’avi. He’s “driving” an avatar, a giant clone of his dead twin brother which has been genetically modified to be a N’avi. Of course, the mining company would like nothing better than for the N’avi to move off their sacred lands so that they can mine the unique rocks that sit under it. Filmmaker Kirby Ferguson created and posted a series of web shorts titled “Everything is a Remix” that talks about how there are no truly original ideas. In Episode 2, he refers to “Avatar’ as being part of a genre he calls “Sorry About Colonialism.” No extras listed.

Blade Runner: 30th Anniversary Collector’s Edition
Warner Bros., 117 minutes, R
Gift set BD with digital copy: $64.99
3-disc BD: $34.99
Deckard (Harrison Ford) is a “blade runner,” a cop who tracks down and kills slave labor androids who illegally return to Earth. Also stars Sean Young, Rutger Hauer, Edward James Olmos, Daryl Hannah, Joanna Cassidy, Joe Turkel, William Sanderson, Brion James. After a 10-month moratorium, Ridley Scott’s dystopian science fiction film returns in a new box set. Gift set includes 72-page art book, Spinner car replica. Also available in a 3-disc BD-book without Ultraviolet digital copy for $34.99. From the press release, there doesn’t appear to be much difference in content between this set and the previous release, other than the 1,000+ image gallery. Be advised: Upgrade probably not necessary except for uber-geeks. Full review is here. Extras: alternate scenes, commentary, deleted scenes, documentary, featurettes, lenticular cover, outtakes, photo gallery, Ultraviolet digital copy.

E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial: Anniversary Edition
Universal, 115 minutes, PG,
DVD price with digital copy: $19.98
BD/DVD with digital copy: $34.98
A description of this film is hardly needed, but here goes: A crew of interplanetary botanists are forced to leave one of their crew behind while escaping humans. The short, squat alien makes a friend of 10-year-old Elliot (Henry Thomas), who nicknames him E.T. (for Extra-Terrestrial). Also stars Drew Barrrymore (at age 6), Robert MacNaughton, Peter Coyote and Dee Wallace. Directed by Steven Spielberg. The BD appears to have all of the extras that the 25th Anniversary DVD did, plus a few new ones. Extras: featurettes, Ultraviolet digital copy. BD adds: BD-Live capacity, featurettes.

Lawrence of Arabia
Sony, 216 minutes, PG, BD reissue: $26.99
50th anniversary restoration of director David Lean’s biography of the enigmatic T. E. Lawrence paints a complex portrait of the desert-loving Englishman who united Arab tribes in battle against the Ottoman Turks during World War I. Includes a 70mm film frame, soundtrack CD, 88-page coffee table book, deleted scene, picture-in-picture commentary, interviews with Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg on the film, several featurettes, trailer and TV spots.

Little Shop of Horrors: The Director’s Cut
Warner Bros., 94 minutes, PG-13, BD book debut: $34.99
A bad Roger Corman movie provided the inspiration for an “off-off-Broadway” musical that became an unlikely hit film. Rick Moranis stars as Seymour, who works at a flower shop on Skid Row. the store is on the verge of closing when he finds a strange plant, which he names Audrey II after the ditzy blonde co-worker (Ellen Greene) he has a crush on. Their boss, Mr. Mushnik (Vincent Gardenia) is skeptical that the plant will do anything, but business begins to pick up. The plant proves to be a bit creepy, when Seymour discovers that its preferred plant food is human blood. Also stars Steve Martin, Bill Murray, John Candy and Levi Stubbs. Includes the 20-minute original ending that failed with test audiences, restored for this edition. My review is here. Extras: commentary, deleted scenes, documentary, introduction, outtakes.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding: 10th Anniversary Special Edition
HBO, 95 minutes, PG, BD debut: $19.98
Toula (Nia Vardalos) is 30. And unmarried. Which means as a nice Greek girl — she’s a failure. All her cousins did the right thing — married Greek boys and made Greek babies. So everyone worries: what will become of Toula? Then one day she sees Ian Miller (John Corbett); tall, handsome but definitely not Greek. A culture clash is impending. One of my favorite romantic comedies doesn’t really need a BD upgrade: but it’s still worth watching. My review is here. Extras: cast interviews, commentary, deleted scenes.

Sunset Boulevard
Paramount, 110 minutes, not rated, $26.98 (BD debut)
Billy Wilder’s noir-comic classic about death and decay in Hollywood remains as pungent as ever in its power to provoke shock, laughter, and gasps of astonishment. Joe Gillis (William Holden), a broke and cynical young screenwriter, is attempting to ditch a pair of repo men late one afternoon when he pulls off L.A.’s storied Sunset Boulevard and into the driveway of a seedy mansion belonging to Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson), a forgotten silent movie luminary whose brilliant acting career withered with the coming of talkies. The demented old movie queen lives in the past, assisted by her devoted (but intimidating) butler, Max (Erich von Stroheim). Norma dreams of making a comeback in a remake of Salome to be directed by her old colleague Cecil B. DeMille (as himself), and Joe becomes her literary and romantic gigolo. Robert Kolarik watched this one as well; this one he highly recommends. Although, I don’t think I’ve ever heard Norma Desmond being referred to as a “cougar” before. Extras: commentary, deleted scenes, featurettes, interactive guide, photo gallery.

They Live: Collector’s Edition
Shout! Factory, 93 minutes, R, BD debut: $29.93
An economic crisis brings unemployed Nada (Roddy Piper) to L.A. in search of work. What he finds instead is that the ruling elite of the world are aliens in disguise, their aim being to keep humans in a state of mindless consumerism. His discovery comes when he dons a pair of special sunglasses made by a resistance group and sees for the first time reality unadorned. Billboards, store signs, magazine covers–all bear subliminal messages to “OBEY,” to “CONSUME,” to have “NO INDEPENDENT THOUGHT.” Money itself says “THIS IS YOUR GOD.” But worst of all, with these glasses you see which of us are really hideous, bug-eyed aliens. Best line: “I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass; and I’m all out of bubblegum.” My review is here. Extras: cast interviews, commentary, deleted scenes, featurettes, photo gallery.

Titanic
Paramount, PG-13,, 4 discs
DVD price with digital copy: $29.99
BD with digital copy: $39.99
3DBD/BD with digital copy: $44.99
3DBD version of the love story that turns into a disaster film at the half-way point, just as the male members are starting to look for something to throw at the screen. Includes all previously released extras, plus 2-1/2 hours of new bonus footage to include interview with director James Cameron and National Geographic documentary footage. DVD version has only two discs. Non-3D BD has BD and standard DVD version. At least Paramount gives you the option to get the iTunes version, even if you have to download it. Extras: cast interviews, commentary, documentary, featurettes.

Watchmen Collector’s Edition: Ultimate Cut + Graphic Novel
Warner Bros., 215 minutes, R, BD reissue: $74.98
In this alternate universe, it’s 1985 and the disbanded group of super heroes known as the Watchmen have come back together to respond to the murder of one of their own. They soon uncover a sinister plot that puts all of humanity in grave danger. This holiday box set includes the Ultimate Cut of the film, which incorporates the animated “Tales of the Black Freighter” into the live-action film; has over two hours of extras; the Complete Motion Comics; a hardcover edition of the graphic novel (never before available in hardcover); lenticular cover; the original theatrical cut on DVD; Ultraviolet digital copy.

Box Sets

Harold & Kumar: Christmas Ultimate Collector’s Edition
Warner Bros., 285 minutes, not rated, 3 episodes, BD reissue: $49.99
Set features all three films from the Harold & Kumar franchise: Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle, Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay, and A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas, packaged in a fun flip collectible tin, ideal for stashing the movies and any other necessities a Harold and Kumar fan might have. Also includes White Castle-scented car fresheners and drink coasters. I would assume that all of the extras available on the individual releases are also here.

Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 & 2
Warner Bros., 113 minutes, PG-13, 2 episodes, 6 discs, BD reissue: $64.99
The Ultimate Edition gets a full release, after being a (quiet) Target exclusive for the past two months. In Part 1, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) set out on their perilous mission to track down and destroy the secret to Voldemort’s immortality and destruction the Horcruxes. On their own and on the run, the three friends must now rely on one another more than ever, but Dark Forces in their midst threaten to tear them apart. Meanwhile the wizarding world has become a dangerous place. The long-feared war has begun and the Dark Lord has seized control of the Ministry of Magic and even Hogwarts, terrorizing and arresting all who might oppose him. The Chosen One has become the hunted one as the Death Eaters search for Harry with orders to bring him to Voldemort.alive. In Part 2, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. But it is Harry who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort. This is the set I wanted to see when I was ranting about the 8-film box set a few months ago. To Warner Bros’ credit, they at least put both films in the same box. Extras: booklet, cast interviews, deleted scenes, two documentaries, featurettes, lenticular cover, picture-in-picture commentary, collector’s cards, Ultraviolet digital copy.

The Incredible Mel Brooks: An Irresistible Collection Of Unhinged Comedy
Shout! Factory, 660 minutes, not rated, $89.93
Included are segments such as “Mel Brooks and Dick Cavett Together Again,” an evening with Mel Brooks and Dick Cavett that aired on HBO in September 2011 and was recently nominated for the “Outstanding Variety Special” Emmy Award; the 1981 BBC documentary “I Thought I Was Taller: A Short History of Mel Brooks; Excavating The 2000 Year Old Man;” a PBS special on the story behind the iconic 2000 Year Old Man and the partnership between its two extraordinary creators, Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner; “Mel and His Movies,” a new 5-part exploration of his incomparable film career; vintage appearances on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” and “The Dick Cavett Show;” episodes of the unforgettable TV series “Get Smart,” as well as “When Things Were Rotten” and his Emmy award winning turn as unpredictable Uncle Phil on “Mad About You;” all with new introductions by Brooks; short films, tributes, and rare footage; a CD with long-lost comedy bits and songs from Brooks’ movies; and a 60-page book featuring vintage photos, program notes and essays by Leonard Maltin, Robert Brustein, Gene Wilder and Bruce Jay Friedman.

Indiana Jones: The Complete Adventures
Paramount, 481 minutes, PG-13, $99.98 (BD debut)
All four “Indiana Jones” films on BD, plus a wealth of documentary material. The restoration of “Raiders” looks a little too good in spots, but it’s worth it to finally have the first three films on BD. My review is here.

Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection
Universal, not rated, 8 films, BD debut: $159.98
Eight of Universal’s classic monster movies: Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Invisible Man, Bride of Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, Phantom of the Opera and Creature from the Black Lagoon. Includes 48-page companion book. These have been released separately and together before, and I don’t think that BD is going to really enhance the films any more than the standard DVD restorations did. But it’s still a pretty impressive collection, nonetheless. Extras: cast interviews, commentary, documentary, featurettes, photo gallery, pop-up trivia track, storyboards.

Television

All In The Family: The Complete Series
Shout! Factory, 6,300 minutes, not rated, 213 episodes, 28 discs, $199.99
Complete box set of the classic Norman Lear sitcom features Carol Connors as the eternal big mouth right-wing bigot Archie Bunker; Jean Stapleton as his simple, accommodating wife Edith; Sally Struthers as their daughter Gloria; and Rob Reiner as the liberal son-in-law Mike (who Archie referred to as “Meathead”). Includes a new interview with Lear, documentaries, original pilots, a 40 page collectible book with essays by television critic Tom Shales and media professor Marty Kaplan, pilot episodes for “Gloria,” “Archie Bunker’s Place,” “704 Hauser” and the two original pilots for the series.

Charlie’s Angels: The Complete Series
Sony, 5,483 minutes, not rated, 110 episodes, 27 discs, $65.99
All five seasons of the hit female detective show, which starred Kate Jackson, Farrah Fawcett and Jaclyn Smith as private investigators working for a mysterious man named “Charlie” (voice of John Forsythe). Cheryl Ladd, Shelley Hack and Tanya Roberts also portrayed Angels. David Doyle played their liaison John Bosley. Includes the never-before released fifth season. Extras: featurette.

Chuck: The Complete Series
Warner Bros., not rated, 91 episodes, 23 discs
DVD: $149.98
BD: $179.98
Box set of all five seasons of comedy-action show about a computer geek who gets entrusted with secrets that could change the world. The word is: if you already have the individual seasons; you’re not going to get anything new by buying this set.

The Complete Red Green Show: High (Quality) Quantity Collection
Acorn Media, 7,440 minutes, X, 300 episodes, 50 discs, $299.99
It started as a shoestring-budget public television program about a merry bunch of misfits in the Canadian wilderness…and it pretty much stayed that way. For 300 episodes, Red, his nephew Harold, and the Possum Lodge gang celebrated doing what men do when women aren’t around—and some things that are even worse. Akin to “Home Improvement,” which also debuted in 1991, The Red Green Show amassed a devout fan base with its adventurous antics, off-kilter advice, preposterous inventions and power tool artillery. Ending in April 2006 with exactly 300 episodes that still run in syndication, the Canadian comedy institution has spawned a feature film, specials, books, and a cult-like following. PROGRAMS INCLUDE: The Infantile Years (Seasons 1991-93), The Toddlin’ Years (Seasons 1994-96), The Delinquent Years (Seasons 1997-99), The Midlife Crisis Years (Seasons 2000-02), and The Geezer Years (Seasons 2003-05). Specials: Red Green’s We Can’t Help It—We’re Men; It’s a Wonderful Red Green Christmas; Red Green D.V.D., Duct Tape Virtuoso Deluxe; Hindsight Is 20/20; and The Red Green Story: We’re All in This Together. EXTRA JUNK: Red Green’s of Cars and Men (71 min.), A Merry Red Green Christmas (45 min.), behind-the-scenes comments by star and creator Steve Smith, a tour of a duct tape factory guided by Red, production photos, fan-made duct tape creations, extended footage, introductions by Steve Smith, Red and Harold character profiles, biographies of stars Steve Smith and Patrick McKenna, and more.

Copper: Season One
BBC/Warner Bros., 450 minutes, not rated, 10 episodes, 3 discs
DVD: $49.98
BD: $59.98
Set in 1860s New York City, this BBC America drama centers on Kevin Corcoran (Tom Weston-Jones), an intense, rugged Irish-American cop working the city’s notorious Five Points neighborhood. Corcoran is struggling to maintain his moral compass in a turbulent world, while on an emotional and relentless quest to learn the truth about the disappearance of his wife and the death of his daughter. Also stars Kevin Ryan, Dylan Taylor and Kyle Schmidt.
Extras: deleted scenes, episode commentary, featurettes, making-of-featurette.

Doctor Who: Series Seven – Part One
BBC/Warner Bros., 225 minutes, not rated, , 2 discs, $24.98
Join the Doctor, his companions Amy and Rory (aka the Ponds) and numerous friends on their latest escapades through space and time where they puzzle an unexpected invasion of Earth, save a spaceship full of dinosaurs, don Stetsons in a Wild West adventure and are even kidnapped by the Doctor’s oldest foe. The explosive series concludes with Amy and Rory’s heart-breaking farewell a race against time through the streets of Manhattan. Will the Doctor really lose the Ponds forever? Extras: cast interviews, featurettes.

Friends: The Complete Series
Warner Bros., 5,400 minutes, not rated, 236 episodes, 21 discs, BD debut: $279.98
BD box set features over 110 hours of content (90 hours of episodes and 20 hours of bonus content). New extras: Lenticular box cover, hard-cover book that holds the discs, 32-page episode guide with content from the Warner Bros. archives., three documentaries, alternate episode, alternate script, gag reel, visits to the Tonight Show and Ellen, music video. Also includes 17 hours of original extra content. Another one of those shows in which I’ve never seen an episode. Sorry, but sitcoms just don’t fit my work schedule. Steve Warns was kind enough to sit through it; his review is here.

Hot in Cleveland: Season Three
TV Land/Paramount, 528 minutes, not rated, 23 episodes, 3 discs, $29.98
Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves and Wendie Malick return for the third season of three hot friends from L.A. forced to move to Cleveland, with Betty White as their cantankerous caretaker. This season’s highlights include a gay cruise, modeling tracksuits, and setting each other up on disastrous blind dates. DVD extras: behind-the-scenes featurette.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Season Four
Warner Bros., 506 minutes, not rated, 22 episodes, 3 discs
DVD: $44.98
BD: $59.99
The valiant Jedi Knights and clone troopers defend exotic planets from enemy forces. They wage war underwater, battle across a night-shrouded world, and take on the merciless Death Watch. Our heroes are tested like never before as Anakin is haunted by the realities of his past, Ahsoka fights to free her people and an undercover Obi-Wan braves a deadly bounty hunter tournament. Season Four culminates with the shocking return of a villain from the past: the ruthless Darth Maul, who will stop at nothing to achieve vengeance. Extras: episode commentary. BD adds: photo gallery.

Kids

Brave
Disney, 93 minutes, PG
DVD: $29.99
BD/DVD: $39.99
3DBD/BD/DVD with digital copy: $49.99
Latest outing from Pixar features the Scottish princess Merida, a skilled archer and headstrong daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor. Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the unruly and uproarious lords of the land. When Merida’s actions inadvertently unleash chaos in the kingdom, she must harness all of her skills and resources – including her clever and mischievous triplet brothers – to undo a beastly curse before it’s too late, and discover the meaning of true bravery. Extras: animated short, commentary. BD adds: alternate scenes, bloopers, cast interviews, deleted scenes. 3DBD adds: digital copy.

Cinderella: Diamond Edition:
Disney, 75 minutes, G
BD/DVD: $39.99
BD/DVD with digital copy: $44.99
BD debut of the classic Disney cartoon about a kind girl raised by her evil stepmother and forced to do the household scut work while her stepsisters fritter away. When a ball is announced to find the Prince a suitable bride, Cinderella wants to go, but is thwarted by the evil stepmother. Cinderella’s fairy godmother steps in and arranges for her to go, but with the stipulation that she be back by midnight when the spell breaks. Also comes in a 6-disc Jewelry Box set for $89.99. New to the BD is a two-mode Storybook Experience, five interactive games, a magic photo frame, Disney’s Second Screen technology and a new CGI short based on the hit film “Tangled.”

Finding Nemo
Disney, 100 minutes, G
BD/DVD with digital copy: $39.99
3DBD/BD/DVD with digital copy: $49.99
In Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Marlin (Albert Brooks), an overly protective clownfish, watches in horror as his only son Nemo, gets scooped up by a diver. With his memory-challenged friend Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) by his side, Marlin embarks on a desperate journey across the ocean to find and rescue his son. All of the extras on the original DVD 2-disc set is included. BD includes CineExplore functionality and featurettes. 3D version has 3D animated aquarium screen saver.

Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted
Paramount, 93 minutes, PG
DVD: $29.98
BD/DVD with digital copy: $39.99
3DBD/BD/DVD with digital copy: $54.99
Third installment in the “Madagascar” series has the foursome of Alex (voice of Ben Stiller), Marty (Chris Rock), Gloria (Jada Pinkett Smith) and Melman (David Schwimmer) following the penguins to Monte Carlo on their hoped return to New York. There, they are forced to join a circus troupe in an attempt to escape a psychopathic animal control officer (Frances McDormand). The “Movie + Rainbow Wig Pack” includes Marty’s rainbow wig. If you want the DVD version with the wig, you’ll have to go to Wal-Mart or Sam’s Club. Extras: commentary, deleted scenes, featurette, music video. BD adds: cast interviews, digital copy, featurette, interactive game, pop-up trivia track, storyboards, Ultraviolet digital copy

The Odd Life of Timothy Green
Disney, 105 minutes, PG
DVD: $29.99
BD/DVD: $39.99
Cindy (Jennifer Garner) and Jim (Joel Edgerton) are a happily married couple who can’t seem to conceive, so they write down all their desires for a child and bury them in the garden. Later that night, a boy named Timothy (C.J. Adams) appears in their house, with leaves sprouting from his legs. Not only does he brighten their lives, but the lives of everyone he meets. Also stars Dianne Wiest, David Morse, DVD extras: deleted scenes, music video. BD extras: commentary, documentary, featurette.

ParaNorman
Universal, 92 minutes, PG
DVD with digital copy: $30.99
BD/DVD with digital copy: $40.99
3DBD/BD/DVD with digital copy: $55.99
Norman is a boy with an unusual “gift;” he can see and speak with the dead. When a centuries-old curse is about to come true, he must use his gift to prevent it from destroying his town. Featuring the voices of Kodi Smit-McPhee, Anna Kendrick, Casey Affleck, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Leslie Mann, Jef Garlin, Elaine Stritch, Bernard Hill, Jodelle Ferland, Tempestt Bledsoe, Alex Borstein and John Goodman. DVD extras: behind-the-scenes featurettes, commentary, animatics, Ultraviolet digital copy. BD extras: BD-Live capacity.

Secret of the Wings
Disney, 80 minutes, not rated,
DVD: $29.99
2-disc DVD: $39.99
3DBD/BD/DVD with digital copy: $49.99
Latest film in the Disney Faires has Tinker Bell (voice of Mae Whitman) crossing the line into the Winter World of Pixie Hollow, where she meets Periwinkle (Lucy Hale) and discovers a magical secret that could change her world forever. Also stars the voices of Angelica Huston, Timothy Dalton, Lucy Liu, Raven-Symone, Megan Hilty, Pamela Adlon, Matt Lanter, Debby Ryan, Jodi Benson. Extras: animated short, music video. BD adds: animated short.

Christmas themed

Arthur Christmas
Sony, 97 minutes, PG-13,
DVD price with digital copy: $30.99
BD/DVD with digital copy: $40.99
Every child’s question: ‘How does Santa deliver all those presents in one night?’ The answer: Santa has a ultra-high-tech operation hidden beneath the North Pole. But at the center of the film is a story about a family in a state of comic dysfunction and an unlikely hero, Arthur, with an urgent mission that must be completed before Christmas morning dawns. Extras: alternate scenes, animated short, featurette.

The Christmas Pageant
Sonar Entertainment, 87 minutes, not rated, $14.93
Vera Parks (Melissa Gilbert), an overly intense and demanding Broadway director, gets fired from yet another job, leaving her no choice but to take a gig directing a small town Christmas pageant . Stunned at how basic the production is, Vera attempts to back out, but is convinced by some of the locals to give their town a chance. When Vera discovers her former fiancé Jack (Robert Mailhouse) recommended her for the job, she is outraged. But over time Vera grows close to both Jack and his young daughter (Lennon Wynn). No extras listed.

A Christmas Story 2
Warner Bros., 85 minutes, PG
DVD price with digital copy: $27.95
BD/DVD with digital copy: $29.98
Ralphie (Braeden Lemasters) is five years older and now wants a car for Christmas. Also stars Daniel Stern as The Old Man and Stacey Travis as Mom. Something about this just screams; NO! I have no desire to watch a sequel to the best Christmas movie ever made. No extras listed.

Princess for Christmas
Lionsgate, 90 minutes, not rated, $14.98
Christmas is right around the corner and Jules Daly (Kate McGrath) is doing her best to create a loving home as new guardian to her mischievous niece and nephew. But when she loses her job and an exasperated nanny on the same day a mysterious and unexpected invitation arrives – travel to Europe and spend a royal Christmas with the children’s distant grandfather – the Duke of Castlebury Hall (Roger Moore). It’s a new world for Jules and the children as they discover their new prim and proper surroundings in the castle but soon laughter begins to echo in the once quiet halls filling everyone with renewed hope and joy for the season. And when Jules captures the heart of the dashing Prince Ashton (Sam Heughan) both of their lives begin to change in unexpected ways. No extras listed.

Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups
Disney, 88 minutes, not rated
DVD: $29.99
BD with digital copy: $39.99
Sequel to the first kids’ film stars a brand-new litter of the cute talking pups – Hope, Jingle, Charity, and Noble – who stow away on Mrs. Claus’ sled when she travels to Pineville. Taking mischief to a whole new level, they begin granting joyful wishes to Pineville’s boys and girls, but something goes terribly wrong – the Christmas spirit begins to disappear. Now the Santa Pups and Mrs. Claus must race to save Christmas around the world. No extras listed.

Sponge Bob SquarePants: It’s A SpongeBob Christmas!
Nickelodeon, 22 minutes, not rated, $14.98
All new Christmas-themed Spongebob adventure; the difference is that it’s filmed using stop-motion animation, like the old Rankin-Bass Christmas specials. Plankton’s latest scheme to get the Krabby Patty formula is to feed everyone his special fruitcake laced with jerktonium. John Goodman stars as the voice of Santa Claus. Includes two downloadable MP3s. Extras: animated short, behind-the-scenes featurette.